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NOPD Nabs Jerroy Johnson Over Fatal Shooting of Ashley Aples

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

The NOPD announces the arrest of Jerroy Johnson in its investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 22, 2025, in the 5600 block of Morrison Road, as well as for a shooting incident that occurred on June 1, 2025, in the 7200 block of Morrison Road.

Johnson was located and arrested without incident in Slidell, LA, on June 26, 2025, by the U.S. Marshals Service, assisted by the Slidell Police Department and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At about 2:40 a.m. on June 22, NOPD Seventh District Officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of Morrison Road after a passerby reported observing a male subject down and possibly having sustained gunshot wounds.

Upon arrival, officers determined the subject had been shot and was subsequently declared deceased on the scene. NOPD Homicide Section detectives assumed control of the investigation at that time.

On June 24, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old Ashley Aples and determined the preliminary cause of death to be from gunshot-related injuries.

Through the course of investigation, detectives developed two persons of interest sought for questioning – an adult black male and an adult black female. Through coordination with a local ankle monitoring service, detectives positively identified Johnson as the male person of interest.

Additionally, the female subject has been located and is no longer considered a person of interest in this investigation.

In addition to this incident, Johnson was also found to be wanted by NOPD Seventh District detectives in connection with the June 1 aggravated battery by shooting incident.

Upon his arrest on June 26, Johnson was booked into the Slidell City Jail as a fugitive from Orleans Parish on the aggravated battery by shooting arrest warrant. He was additionally booked on the homicide charge upon extradition back to Orleans Parish.

Pictured Suspect Wanted by Third District for Felony Theft

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

The New Orleans Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for felony theft.

According to investigators, at approximately 11:26 p.m. on June 28, 2025, the pictured suspect stole approximately $2,000 from a vending machine at a business located in the 4200 block of Chef Menteur Highway.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or the suspect is asked to call Third District detectives at 504-658-6030 or to anonymously call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Samuel Tate Berry, Liam Harry Houpis, Nokomis Lee, Andrew James Beason, Eduardo Diaz Guardado, Juniper Perry Weed, Eduardo Diaz Guardado Charged With Assaulting Federal Officers During Protests Against ICE

By
Bola Akinloye
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Six defendants made their first appearances in federal court after committing various offences—including assaulting federal officers and creating a hazard on federal property—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Samuel Tate Berry, 29, who has recently resided in Gearhart and Seaside, Oregon, as well as Kelso, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offences of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Juniper Perry Weed, 21, of Jackson, Michigan, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offences of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Eduardo Diaz Guardado, 22, of Vancouver, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offence of assaulting a federal officer.

Andrew James Beason, 53, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of failing to obey a lawful order.

Nokomis Lee, 22, of Grand Ronde, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of failing to obey a lawful order.

Liam Harry Houpis, 22, also of Vancouver, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of creating a hazard on federal property.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 18, 2025, several hundred people gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for more than week, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and various federal law enforcement officers with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, glass bottles, signs, and makeshift shields.

At approximately 6:38 p.m., federal officers on site were informed that six official vehicles were en route and needed to enter the property via a vehicle gate blocked by the crowd.

After issuing warnings and asking the group to move, federal officers opened the vehicle gate and advanced on the crowd to clear the driveway for the arriving vehicles. Defendants Berry and Weed failed to comply with the officers’ directions and, while being placed under arrest, assaulted officers.

Later that same evening, a crowd again blocked the building’s vehicle gate, and after being warned a second time, they were cleared to allow law enforcement vehicles to exit the property. During this second clearing, at approximately 10:55 p.m., defendants Beason and Lee failed to obey lawful orders issued by law enforcement.

A fifth defendant, Guardado, was observed possessing a high-powered laser pointer that he pointed at a federal officer, striking the officer in the eye and temporarily blinding him.

The following evening, on June 19, 2025, several dozen individuals again gathered at the South Portland ICE office, when, at approximately 10:20 p.m., defendant Houpis was observed using a drill and screws on plywood doors affixed to the building’s exterior in an attempt to prevent federal officers from exiting the building.

All six defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Misdemeanour assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison.

Failure to obey a lawful order, failure to comply with official signs and directions, and creating a hazard on federal property are all Class C misdemeanours and carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison.

Buffalo Man Alphonso Payne Convicted of Murdering Federal Informant; Faces Life Imprisonment

By
Deborah Ojuade
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A federal jury has found Alphonso Payne, aka Ajay, 29, of Buffalo, NY, guilty of conspiracy to murder a federal informant, murdering a federal informant, conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, conspiring to retaliate against a federal informant, retaliating against a federal informant, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime, and discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch, Michael J. Adler, and Stacey Jacovetti, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between approximately 2016 and August 20, 2019, Payne, co-defendant Gregory Hay, and others conspired to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.

The conspiracy began with Hay selling drugs in the Salamanca, NY, area, before moving his operation to the Olean area, where Payne assisted him with selling drugs.

After Gregory Hay’s house was searched on May 7, 2019, by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Buffalo Police Department, and illegal firearms were seized, Hay and Payne suspected Joshua Jalovick was a police informant.

In the early evening of July 1, 2019, Payne and Hay lured Jalovick into the backyard of 87 Freund, where Payne used to live. Once Jalovick was in the backyard, Payne shot him multiple times with a semi-automatic pistol in front of multiple witnesses.

Hay then stood over Jalovick and shot him an additional five times with a revolver. Payne and Hay murdered Joshua Jalovick to prevent him from testifying about their alleged drug trafficking crimes and Hay’s firearm crimes.

Gregory Hay was previously convicted of narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime and is awaiting sentencing.

In addition to defendants Payne and Hay, defendants Daeshawn Stevenson, Raejah Blackwell, Eric Brooks, and Roland Eady were also convicted for their roles in obstructing a grand jury’s investigation into Joshua Jalovick’s murder.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.

California Man Ammaad Akhtar Charged With Attempting to Provide ISIS Support in Perpetrating Terrorism

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.

According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS.

In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support for ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “May Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he would send more money that same day.

Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilising homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Peace Agreement Signing Between Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda

By
TheCrimeScene
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0

On June 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos hosted the Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the Government of the DRC, and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, while Secretary Rubio signed as a witness.

The signing ceremony was attended by African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, on behalf of the African Union, and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi as observers.

The Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement marks a historic milestone in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and the broader Great Lakes region of Africa. Building upon the Declaration of Principles signed by both parties on April 25, 2025, the agreement reflects months of sustained negotiations, led by Senior Advisor Boulos.

These discussions addressed longstanding issues of governance, security, and economic integration and laid the foundation for a comprehensive agreement that confronts the root causes of a protracted conflict and supports a sustainable path toward regional peace and stability.

The Peace Agreement entered into force upon signature, and the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting its full and timely implementation.

In close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, the United States will continue to engage both parties to ensure implementation of the obligations laid out in the agreement.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to hosting a Summit of the Heads of State at the White House to further advance peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity.

Canadian National Patrick Fraser Extradited for Mailing Fraudulent Prize Notices; Faces 20 Years in U.S. Prison

By
Deborah Ojuade
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0

A Canadian national accused of operating fraudulent prize notice schemes was extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Las Vegas, on June 18, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today.

Patrick Fraser, 44, of Alberta, Canada, will face federal charges of conspiracy and mail fraud. Fraser was arrested on June 14, 2023, by Canadian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request and was surrendered to the United States this month.

A detention hearing was held on June 23, and Fraser was ordered detained pending trial.

According to the indictment, the defendant conspired with others to operate fraudulent schemes through which he mailed false prize notifications to individuals in the United States and other countries.

The prize notifications falsely represented that the victims had been specifically chosen to receive a large cash prize, typically over $1 million, and would receive the prize upon payment of a small fee. Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Consumer Protection Branch and our law enforcement partners in the United States and the world to identify and pursue transnational criminals who prey on older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada.

Fraser is charged in a nine-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Las Vegas. If convicted, Fraser faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Michigan Doctor Sophie Toya Jailed Four Years for $6.3m Medicare Fraud Scheme

By
Bola Akinloye
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0

A Michigan doctor has been sentenced to four years in prison for a $6.3 million Medicare fraud scheme in which elderly and disabled patients were sent thousands of orthotic braces that they did not need.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sophie Toya, M.D., 56, of Bloomfield Hills, prescribed over 7,900 orthotic braces to more than 2,600 Medicare patients during a six-month period.

The patients were solicited through deceptive television commercials offering free back braces. When they called the advertised telephone number, they were persuaded to accept braces for other parts of their bodies, with the promise that Medicare would pay.

Toya spoke briefly with some of these patients over the phone, and she had no contact with the others at all. Toya nonetheless signed orders prescribing more than 7,900 braces, including prescribing four or more braces to nearly 1,000 patients.

Toya prescribed as many as 136 braces in a day, 12 braces for a single patient, and numerous braces for undercover agents posing as Medicare beneficiaries after speaking with them by telephone for less than a minute.

The prescriptions and accompanying medical records, signed by Toya, falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary and that she had diagnosed the beneficiaries, developed a plan of care for them, and recommended that they receive certain additional treatment.

In the case of one patient, to whom Toya prescribed five braces for which Medicare was billed $3,883, she falsely attested that she evaluated the patient and that the patient was mobile when, in fact, the patient had long been confined to a wheelchair, could not walk or stand, and was suffering from a dangerous spinal infection that could not be treated by braces but instead required spinal surgery.

Toya’s false prescriptions were used by brace supply companies to bill Medicare more than $6.3 million. Toya was paid approximately $120,000 by purported telemedicine companies in exchange for signing the fraudulent prescriptions.

On May 10, 2024, Toya was convicted following an eight-day trial on one count of healthcare fraud and five counts of false statements relating to healthcare matters. Toya was also ordered to pay $3,606,935 in restitution and $120,475 in forfeiture.

My CFR National Honours Award and Message to President Tinubu

By
TheCrimeScene
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0

By Abubakar Umar

When the president called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the national award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much-advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12 election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes.

Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle risked their careers and even lives.

Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs. While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this national honour by the president, they have remained anonymous.
It is, therefore, incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation.
The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12 election, won over 80% of the armed forces’ votes clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive.
There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others. I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed.
May God recognise and reward your sacrifice.
Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained, and mercifully retired in October 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army.
Others are:
-Lt Col Lawal Jaafaru Isa.
-Lt Col UF Ahmed.
-Lt Col MS Dasuki.
-Lt Col ML Gwadabe.
-Lt Col J. Temlong.
-Lt Col Musa Shehu.
-Lt Col Chris Eze.
-Lt Col HM Dzarma.
-Lt Col Isa Jibrin.
-Lt Col JOS Oshanupin.
-Lt Col A Oloruntoba (Kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom).
-Lt Col Moke.
-Lt Col Happy Bulus.
-Lt Col Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
-Col J Okai.
-Col E. Ndubueze.
-Lt Col Yakubu Muazu.
-Lt Col Yahaya Abubakar (current Etsu Nupe).
-Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).
-Maj Abba Maimalari.
-Maj Jamil Tahir.
-Maj Buzugbe.
-Maj LP Aprezi.
-Maj MK Yake.
-Maj J Dawah.
-Maj Suleiman Wali.
-Maj Dauda Komo.
-Maj Lucky Torrie.
-Maj JS Zaruwa.
-Maj M Sumaye.
-Maj Sani Bawa.
-Maj Ndaliman.
Maj Ahmed.
-Maj M Bawa.
-Lt Col JB Ahmadu.
-Capt Junaid Bindawa.
-Capt Lar.
I, therefore, accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.
This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.
To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self-aggrandisement. The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.
One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.
Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self-seeking sycophants.
Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions, including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a president or state governor while in office.
The other day, the Senate president was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes!
Even allowing for the fact that this Senate president is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles.
God bless Nigeria.

Abubakar Dangiwa Umar,
Colonel (Retd)

From Risk to Reward: Why Nigerian SMEs Must Lead the Sustainability Revolution

By
TheCrimeScene
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0

By Eugene Itua

By 2028, a new era of corporate accountability will dawn in Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s decision to mandate the adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and S2) is not just a regulatory update.

It is a fundamental shift in the business landscape. This moment is not just a crossroads. It is a call to action. Nigerian companies must act now to turn this into a strategic masterstroke, unlocking investment and building lasting value. 

The truth is that many companies are not ready. Sustainability is often treated as a peripheral, box-ticking exercise managed by a siloed department and viewed as a cost. This exposes a critical capacity gap that, if left unaddressed, could leave Nigerian businesses at a significant disadvantage on the global stage. 

To turn this mandate into a national competitive advantage, we must move beyond a compliance mindset. We must initiate a national conversation about integrating sustainability into the core of our business strategies as a fundamental driver of innovation, resilience, and profitability. 

Not Just for the Big Players: Why SMEs Must Embrace Sustainability 

It is a common misconception that sustainability strategy is a luxury reserved for large corporations with dedicated departments. In Nigeria, where Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of the economy, this thinking is not just flawed—it is dangerous. SMEs have the potential to lead the way in sustainability, not just follow the footsteps of larger corporations. 

Sustainability is a critical issue for SMEs for several key reasons. 

Supply Chain Integration

SMEs are the lifeblood of the supply chains of larger corporations. As these corporations begin reporting on their value chain risks and impacts (a requirement under the new standards), they will demand greater transparency and better sustainability performance from their SME partners. Being unprepared means risking valuable contracts. 

Access to Capital 

Increasingly, banks and investors are scrutinising the environmental and social performance of businesses before lending or investing, regardless of their size. Strong sustainability practices can unlock new financing opportunities for SMEs. 

Operational Efficiency 

Sustainability is about more than just the environment; it is about efficiency. Reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and optimising resource use directly lower operational costs and improve the bottom line. 

Innovation and Agility 

Being smaller, SMEs can often innovate and adapt more quickly. For instance, embracing sustainability can open up new markets, such as the growing demand for eco-friendly products, spur the creation of green products and services, and attract top talent looking to work for purpose-driven companies. These are not just theoretical benefits, but real opportunities that sustainability can bring to SMEs. 

The 2028 mandate will affect the entire business ecosystem. For SMEs, building capacity now is not optional—it is essential for survival and growth. 

A Strategic Framework for Future-Proofing Your Business 

To truly capitalise on this shift, Nigerian businesses should adopt a strategic framework built on three interconnected pillars of value. 

Pillar 1: From Reporting to Real Impact 

The new IFRS standards provide a standardised language (IFRS S1 for general disclosures and IFRS S2 for climate-related disclosures) that investors understand and trust. However, the data reported is useless without a framework for action.

This is where standards like the SDG Impact Standards, developed by the UNDP, become invaluable. They provide the internal management logic to act on that data, helping companies turn sustainability from a cost of compliance into a core competitive strategy, enabling them to make informed, impactful decisions that drive growth. 

Pillar 2: The Link Between Biodiversity and the Bottom Line 

The phrase ‘there is no business on a dead planet’ is not a slogan; it is a fundamental principle of enterprise risk management. Nigerian businesses heavily depend on ‘natural capital’—assets such as clean water, a stable climate, and biodiversity. Forward-thinking companies must learn to measure, manage, and value this relationship.

Doing so mitigates hidden supply chain risks, sparks innovation in resource efficiency, and builds profound business resilience, positioning them as attractive, future-proof, ‘Nature-Positive’ businesses. A ‘Nature-Positive’ business is one that not only minimizes its negative impact on the environment but actively contributes to its restoration and preservation. 

Pillar 3: Weaving Sustainability into Your Corporate DNA 

The ultimate goal is to integrate sustainability so deeply that it becomes an inseparable part of financial performance. This means using sustainability insights to inform the highest levels of corporate strategy.

It requires aligning everything—from product development and supply chain management to capital allocation—with long-term sustainability goals. This is where companies will move beyond mere compliance to unlock profound, long-term value, securing their future and attracting the capital needed to thrive. 

A Call for Pioneers: Seizing Nigeria’s Sustainable Future 

The 2028 deadline is not an endpoint; it is the starting line. It is a call to action for a new generation of Nigerian business leaders who are willing to look beyond the next quarter’s earnings. It is a call to embrace sustainability, a decision that will shape the future of your business and the Nigerian economy. 

This is the moment for every CEO, board member, and entrepreneur to ask the hard questions: Is our business model resilient for a resource-constrained future? Do we truly understand our impact and dependencies on society and the environment? Are we building an enterprise that will thrive for the next 50 years, not just the next five? 

The path to a sustainable future requires courage, innovation, and a radical shift in perspective. Those who begin the journey now—re-evaluating their strategy, investing in capacity, and embracing transparency—will not only ensure their success but will also be at the forefront of shaping a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous Nigerian economy for all. Let’s build that future together. 

 

Dr. Eugene Itua is CEO of Natural Eco Capital & ED, Africa Green Economy & Sustainability Institute

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